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Sarasota is host to a number of local attractions, many perfectly-sized for a fun field trip with the entire family including young children and grandparents, too. Located just a few moments from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and the world-renowned Ringling Museum, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a true “Old Florida” attraction. Established in 1939, this tropical oasis is home to Florida alligators, tortoises, dozens of snakes in the Reptile House, parrots, macaws, cockatoos, lemurs, monkeys and flamingos.

Founded in 1939, it is one of the oldest continuously operated attractions in the state. The gardens started with 10 acres of land which were planted with thousands of tropical flowers and trees from all over the world. In the 1970s, the first Exotic Bird Show was created and featured cockatoos and macaws.

The Gardens is a nonprofit organization which acts as a sanctuary for a variety of exotic animals and plants, some of which have been rescued. Here you will find a variety of quaint nature trails, beautiful lake views, dozens of exotic wildlife species, and a few interactive wildlife shows.

The trails here are clean and well-maintained, and also not too long, so everyone can enjoy a healthy, moderate walk in a desirable shady environment. As you navigate the grounds, you will pass a variety of interesting exhibits. Among-st them is the free roaming flamingos, this is one of the few areas where you can see them strolling around at their leisure. You can also feed them, although they seemed to be pretty irritated, likely due to the fact that people feed them on end all day long. The flamingos are absolutely gorgeous!

By visiting Sarasota Jungle Gardens, you will be able to enjoy a leisurely walk around the beautifully landscaped grounds, get in a little exercise, and enjoy an up-close view of some truly beautiful exotic species.

Photo Credit: http://floridaattractions.com

The Myakka River, flows through miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. In my opinion this is one of the best outdoor family experiences in Florida. The rangers at the station are very helpful and they have brochures available that literally plan your day.

You can enjoy various activities from wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, or a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park´s river and two lakes provide boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Kayaking is very enjoyable – lots of alligators, herons, egrets, white pelicans if you are lucky, ospreys, bald eagles, ibis, and maybe even some wild boars.

If this is your first time in the park then the Canopy Walk is a must-do. Canopy Walkways are fairly rare, so when you have the chance to walk on one you should take it! If you’re up for a little bit of a climb definitely be sure to make your way to the top of the observation tower on the end of the Canopy Walk…the views are amazing! For better views either bring binoculars or use their coin-operated viewer at the top. I’m pretty sure we saw the Skyway Bridge way off in the distance once!

For those that are looking for a longer hike and backpacking experience I have to recommend checking out the Myakka Hiking Trail. It’s maintained by volunteers from the Florida Trail Association – Suncoast Chapter. This trail makes a 38.9 mile loop through the park. You will experience everything from hammocks, to prairies, to grasslands, and more.

I could go on and on about this park! There’s so much to do here! Bicycling, fishing, bird watching, geocaching, wildlife, kayaking, concerts, bird walk, the nature center, animals, campfire programs, camping, gift shop, concession stand…too much to list!

Photo Credit: http://hikeitflorida.com/

If you are planning to visit a botanical garden in Florida, choose Selby, which has the world’s largest scientific collection of orchids and bromeliads, more than 20,000 species. Selby’s genteel outdoor gardens are exceptionally well landscaped and relaxing, with 80-year-old banyan trees, koi ponds and splendid bay views. Art exhibits, a cafe and an enticing plant shop complete the experience.

Located in Sarasota, Selby is just a short drive away from some other well-known gardens – including the private homes of plant aficionados Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Mable Ringling (wife of circus man John). And if you’re a true plant nerd, this may be the strongest argument that you’ll need to hear.

A popular tourist attraction on the Suncoast called Selby`s is gaining national attention. As a matter of fact, USA Today ranks Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota as the number one botanical garden to visit this spring.

The newspaper recently published an article that states there are nearly 600 public and botanical gardens nationwide, according to the American Public Gardens Association. It describes Selby Gardens as a tropical oasis filled with rare and beautiful plants on the Sarasota bayfront. Open 364 days per year, the gardens encompass 15 acres and 12 buildings, including a tropical and subtropical bamboo garden, koi pond, fern garden and a wooden boardwalk through a mangrove forest. No other botanical garden in Florida made this list on USA Today.

It’s a fantastic blend of Florida’s native plants, and tropical gardens focused on sensory experiences. The outer edges of the garden serve as a small-scale nature preserve, while the inner areas showcase unusual specimens and thoughtful design.

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